Panasonic FH5 vs Ricoh GR II

Its time to look more in depth at the Panasonic FH5 and Ricoh GR II, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Panasonic and Ricoh. The image resolution of the FH5 (16MP) and the GR II (16MP) is very close but the FH5 (1/2.3") and GR II (APS-C) offer different sensor size.

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The FH5 was announced 5 years prior to the GR II which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FH5 being a Compact camera and the Ricoh GR II being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the FH5 grades vs the GR II when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 and Ricoh GR II. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH5 Gallery and Ricoh GR II Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic FH5 has exterior dimensions of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) and the Ricoh GR II has specifications of 117mm x 63mm x 35mm (4.6" x 2.5" x 1.4") with a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FH5 and Ricoh GR II in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you select at the time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the FH5 against the GR II.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the FH5 and GR II is 96 and 89 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes merely by looking through technical specs. The pic here will help provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH5 and GR II.

As you can tell, both of those cameras have the same resolution but different sensor sizes. The FH5 uses the smaller sensor which is going to make getting shallower depth of field harder. The more aged FH5 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.